An Outdoor Fireplace does a lot more than Provide Ambiance

If you find yourself dreaming about having an outdoor space that’s perfect for entertaining and relaxing, you’re in good company. More than 60 percent of architects report that outdoor living spaces are the most popular “special function” area today -- and 56 percent of homeowners aren’t just dreaming about having one, they’re acting on it and making updates to their yards for entertaining. It doesn’t seem to matter what the age they are – Americans love their outdoor spaces. Studies have shown that outdoor rooms are important to 85 percent of Millennials, 83 percent of Gen Xers, and 74 percent of baby boomers.

So why are outdoor spaces so popular now? One reason is they extend the square footage of your home for entertaining without the significant expense of building an addition. And those spaces do more than bring years of enjoyment to your family and friends – they will pay off when it comes time to sell your home. In fact, spending 5 percent of the total value of your home on quality landscaping can add as much as 15 percent to the value of your home – and make it easier to sell. That being said, it’s important to choose amenities for your outdoor space that provide a good return on investment, such as outdoor fire features and fireplaces.

Adding a fireplace to your outdoor space is a great investment, and it can increase the value of your home by as much as you spend. For instance, installing a $3,500 outdoor fireplace can boost the value of your home by $3,500. Now that’s a good investment! The warmth and ambiance it brings will also make your home more attractive to potential buyers, since fire features and fireplaces are the most popular outdoor design element, according to the 2015 ASLA Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey.

It’s possible to find the perfect style of fireplace for your outdoor living space design, including gas and wood-burning units. See all the traditional and contemporary outdoor fireplace designs here.

To see more ideas for creating an outdoor space that’s perfect for your family and friends, read here.